Although currently under construction, the Great Southern Adventure will serve as the ultimate southern to-do list - from mom and pop restaurants to bizarre roadside attractions, from regal hotels to once in a life time experiences - I'll check them off one by one and blog about them as I go!

June is festival time is South Louisiana, and when you hear the music and smell delicious food coming from clouds of smoke, then it's Le Festivale de la Viande Boucanee, better known as the SMOKED MEAT FESTIVAL. This two day event, promoted by Chapter 632 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, is held on the last full weekend of June each year in the "Smoked Meat Capital of the World", Ville Platte, Louisiana. Music begins Friday night and continues until the festival closes.Renowned entertainers have included The Bellamy Brothers, John Anderson, T.G. Sheppard, Janie Fricke, Percy Sledge, Doug Stone, Billy Joe Royal, John Conlee, T. Graham Brown, Mel McDaniel, Joe Stampley, B.J. Thomas, Wayne Toups, Jo El Sonnier and rock n' roll favorite, Na Na Sha. Festival highlights include the World Championship Smoked Meat Cookoff for amateurs and professionals. The backyard cooks and the professionals are equal to the task of preparing meats in varied and imaginative ways, each using their own special seasonings and methods of smoking the meat. The cook off is open to any kind of dish using smoked meat, such as sausage, tasso, pounce bouree', deer, pig, rabbit, even fish. Festival guests enjoy entree samples sold at individual booths and hear a little bit of bragging from last year's champions. Enjoy the highly competitive "best decorated booth" race, arts and crafts booths, beauty pageants, and local artisans. Saturday's opening ceremonies honor all veterans who have served our country and remember our fallen comrades from the Vietnam War. Bagpipes, color quard salutes, F-15 jet fly overs, and patriotic quest speakers will touch your heart in this emotional ceremony. It will give your Fouth of July celebrations new meaning! All proceeds from the festival are put back into the community and parish through funding of charitable, civic, and community projects, and providing financial assistance to needy individuals and families. Admission: Adults $7, children under 12: $1. ID's required, no ice chests or pets, lawn chairs welcomed. Civic Center Grounds